Modesto Fatal Hit-and-Run Occurs on 6th Street
An arrest was made in a fatal hit-and-run accident in Modesto that occurred on February 16. The accident occurred at the intersection of 6th Street and the off-ramp from Highway 99. Although the injured pedestrian was transported to a hospital, she died there later.
Driver Turns Himself In Following Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident in Modesto
Upon investigating, detectives discovered the woman had been assaulted and was in a relationship with the man driving the vehicle that struck her. The driver, a Ceres man, 32, turned himself in to the Modesto Police Department. He was jailed and charged with domestic violence and homicide. Those with information are asked to call Detective Bolinger at (209) 342-9162.
The Loss of a Loved One in a Fatal Hit-and-run Accident in Modesto
It is always a stressful experience when someone you love passes away in a fatal hit-and-run accident in Modesto, leaving family members in shock and grief-stricken. The family may want to get justice, even if the subject who caused the death is arrested. They can do so by filing a wrongful death claim. This legal action seeks compensation for the loss of the survivors against those who were negligent or intentionally took the life of their loved one. Although a monetary award won’t ease their grief, they can obtain some sense of closure and avoid financial stress by doing so.
Holding a Negligent Party Responsible by Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
When a motorist acts negligently or intentionally kills another person in a fatal hit-and-run accident in Modesto, the family may file a claim for wrongful death to recover damages. The parents and siblings may file a claim if the decedent had no spouse or children.
Wrongful Death and Punitive Damages
In cases where an intentional act leads to wrongful death, the family may be eligible for punitive damages, which serve as a form of punishment for the offender and a deterrent against similar behavior. Unlike some states, California law does not cap punitive damages. Compensation awarded in a wrongful death case typically encompasses various aspects:
- Funeral and burial or cremation expenses for the deceased are recoverable.
- If the deceased was employed, the family could seek compensation equivalent to the deceased’s salary until retirement age, including insurance, pension benefits, and other related earnings.
- The surviving spouse may receive compensation for losing consortium, love, and affection.
- Children of the deceased can seek compensation for the loss of guidance and nurturing.
- Inheritance losses may also be recoverable in certain circumstances.
- Loss of household assistance, such as childcare, cooking, tax preparation, and other tasks, may be compensated, as the family may need to hire someone to fulfill these responsibilities.
In the video that follows, accident attorney Ed Smith explains what wrongful death claims are, who can file and recoverable damages:
Modesto Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death lawyer. Wrongful death claims can help families recover damages if their loved one dies as a result of negligence or an intentional act. Our accident attorneys can provide compassionate, free, and friendly advice by calling (209) 227-1931. We can also be reached by completing our online form or calling (800) 404-5400. You can receive answers to your questions and learn about your options to recover compensation by taking advantage of our free consultation.
You can learn more about how we’ve helped others on Yelp, Google, and Settlements & Verdicts. It is humbling for our lawyers to be recognized as members of the Top 1 Percent and the Million Dollar Advocates for our service to our clients.
Photo attribution: Image by Thomas Mühl from Pixabay
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